Amur Falcon

Amur Falcon Latest News

Three Amur falcons tagged with satellite transmitters in Manipur are currently spending their winter migration period across three African countries, officials said recently.

About Amur Falcon

• It is a migratory raptor of the falcon family.
• Scientific Name: Falco amurensis
• This falcon is known by a few other names, such as Eastern Red-footed Falcon, Eastern Red-footed Kestrel, Manchurian Falcon, and Red-legged Falcon.

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Amur Falcon Distribution

• They breed in southeastern Siberia and Northern China and migrate long distances in large flocks to winter in Southern and East Africa.
• Along the way, large numbers pass through India, with the biggest congregations seen in the northeastern states.
• It undertakes the longest regular overwater passage of any raptor.

Amur Falcon Features

• It is an average-sized falcon, with a wingspan of 63–71 cm and weighing about 120 g. 
• The male and female are distinctly different. 
• The male is a dark, sooty grey, with brownish-red thighs and vent. 
• When flying, a white lining of the male’s wings stands out against the sooty grey. 
• The female has a pattern common among many falcon species, with a dark spotted chest and vent against a white background and a darker, grey back. 
• A distinctive feature of both the male and the female is the orange of the eye-ring, beak base (the cere) and feet. 
• As in many birds of prey, the male is smaller than the female.
• In addition to speed and strength, these birds are known to have keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight.

Amur Falcon Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List.

Source: IT